Sudden hearing loss is frightening. One moment you hear normally, and the next, everything sounds muffled, distant, or completely silent—especially in one ear. Many people hope it will “clear on its own,” but the truth is simple: Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. The faster you act, the better your chance of recovery.
At Better Ears, we regularly see patients who experience sudden hearing changes due to wax blockage, infections, pressure issues, or more serious causes. Understanding the early signs and knowing what to do can make all the difference.
What Exactly Is Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss—often called Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)—is a rapid drop in hearing that happens within hours or overnight. It usually affects one ear and may feel like:
- A blocked or clogged ear
- Sounds becoming distant or muted
- A sudden “pop” followed by silence
- Ringing or buzzing
- Difficulty understanding speech
Some people describe it as if someone “switched off” one ear.
Understanding How Hearing Works
To understand sudden hearing loss, it’s helpful to know how delicate the hearing system is.
Outer Ear:
Collects sound and directs it to the eardrum.
Middle Ear:
Tiny bones amplify the sound.
Inner Ear (Cochlea):
Microscopic hair cells convert sound into signals for the brain.
Damage or blockage at any point can cause hearing to drop—sometimes instantly.
Common Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss
While sudden hearing loss is always urgent, the cause determines how serious it is. Some reasons are minor; others require immediate medical attention.
1. Earwax Buildup
Surprisingly, impacted earwax is one of the most common causes of sudden blocked hearing.
Symptoms include:
- Fullness or pressure
- Sudden loss after showering
- Hearing “in and out”
- Crackling or popping sounds
A quick microsuction appointment at Better Ears can restore hearing instantly if wax is the cause.
2. Ear Infections
Middle or inner ear infections can create sudden hearing changes due to:
- Fluid buildup
- Swelling
- Pressure behind the eardrum
These infections often come with pain, fever, or discharge.
3. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)
This is the most serious cause. SSHL occurs when the inner ear or hearing nerve is damaged by:
- Viral infections
- Poor blood flow
- Autoimmune reactions
- Inner ear inflammation
- Unknown reasons (in nearly half of cases)
This condition requires urgent medical treatment—ideally within 24–48 hours.
4. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
If your Eustachian tube becomes blocked due to:
- Allergies
- Sinus problems
- Colds
- Pressure changes
…it may cause sudden muffled hearing that comes and goes.
5. Barotrauma (Pressure Injury)
Oversleeping during airplane descent, diving underwater, or rapid altitude changes can lead to sudden blocked ears or pain.
6. Medication-Related Hearing Loss
Certain medications (called ototoxic drugs) may trigger sudden changes in hearing.
7. Head or Ear Injuries
Any trauma can cause:
- Nerve damage
- Eardrum perforation
- Middle ear disruption
This requires emergency treatment.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
You should seek urgent help if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- A “blocked ear” that does not clear within a few hours
- Ringing, buzzing, or roaring (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- Ear pain or discharge
- A sudden “pop” followed by silence
- Rapid hearing decline after a cold or infection
If the hearing drop is sensorineural, every hour matters.
Why Sudden Hearing Loss Is an Emergency
The inner ear is extremely delicate. Once hair cells or hearing nerves are damaged, they cannot regenerate. But fast treatment can:
- Stop further damage
- Restore some or all lost hearing
- Prevent long-term complications
- Reduce tinnitus
- Improve balance
- Protect your overall hearing health
Delaying care reduces recovery chances dramatically.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Experience Sudden Hearing Loss
Here is exactly what to do:
1. Do NOT wait to “see if it clears.”
Time is critical.
Even a few hours can affect recovery success.
2. Avoid inserting anything into the ear
No cotton buds
No ear candles
No over-the-counter drops
No home irrigation devices
You can worsen the problem or push wax deeper.
3. Book an urgent ear examination
At Better Ears, we can quickly determine whether your hearing loss is caused by:
- Wax
- Fluid
- Infection
- Pressure
- A more serious inner ear condition
If the cause is medical, we will provide immediate guidance and referral.
4. Seek emergency medical care if no blockage is found
If we confirm that your ear is not blocked by wax:
👉 You must seek same-day medical treatment.
SSHL may require:
- Corticosteroid medication
- Blood flow treatments
- Specialist ENT care
The earlier the intervention, the higher the chance of restoring hearing.
5. Avoid loud noise
Your ear is vulnerable during this time.
Professional Diagnosis at Better Ears
During an emergency hearing check, we use:
✔ High-resolution otoscopy
To inspect the ear canal and eardrum.
✔ Microsuction for wax removal
Fast, safe, and immediately improves hearing if wax is the issue.
✔ Tympanic membrane assessment
To check for infections, perforations, or fluid.
✔ Hearing screening (when appropriate)
Helps identify whether further ENT care is needed.
Treatment Options for Sudden Hearing Loss
Depending on the cause, treatment may include:
✔ Microsuction (wax-related hearing loss)
Instant improvement when wax is the culprit.
✔ Medication for infections
Ear infections may need antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.
✔ Steroids for SSHL
The earlier these are administered, the better the outcome.
✔ Pressure equalisation treatments
For Eustachian tube dysfunction.
How Better Ears Supports Your Hearing Recovery
Our trained clinicians provide:
- Immediate appointments
- Safe emergency wax removal
- Clear diagnosis
- ENT referrals for urgent cases
- Support through recovery
- Follow-up assessments
Better Ears Clinic Locations
You can visit us at:
Radlett
347 Watling Street, WD7 7LB
Harpenden
1 High Street, AL5 2RS
Hemel Hempstead
161 London Road, HP3 9SQ
Wheathampstead
2 High Street, AL4 8AA
Home visits are also available for urgent cases.
FAQs About Sudden Hearing Loss
Q1. Can sudden hearing loss come back on its own?
Sometimes—but waiting can reduce your chances of recovery.
Q2. Is sudden hearing loss always permanent?
Not always. Early treatment greatly improves outcomes.
Q3. Can earwax cause sudden hearing loss?
Yes, and it’s one of the most common—and easily treatable—causes.
Q4. Should I see Better Ears or a doctor first?
Start with Better Ears if you suspect wax.
If no wax is present, seek immediate medical attention.
Q5. Why does sudden hearing loss often occur in one ear?
Most causes affect one ear at a time, especially viral or nerve-related issues.
Conclusion: Act Fast — Your Hearing Depends On It
Sudden hearing loss can feel shocking, but acting quickly gives you the best chance of recovery. Whether it’s earwax, infection, pressure issues, or a deeper medical cause, getting the right help immediately is essential.
At Better Ears, we provide fast, safe, expert care to diagnose the cause and guide you to the right treatment.
Your hearing is precious — trust it to professionals who understand its urgency.